Artificial Food Coloring Free Classic Arnold Palmer
Few drinks are as refreshing as this half-and-half blend of iced tea and fresh lemonade — it's tart, lightly sweet, and endlessly drinkable on a warm day. The problem with most bottled versions is that they're loaded with artificial dyes and synthetic flavoring agents that give the drink an unnaturally bright color and a vaguely chemical aftertaste. This homemade version skips all of that entirely, relying on brewed black tea and freshly squeezed lemon juice to deliver real, clean flavor. A quick simple syrup made from just sugar and water keeps the sweetness balanced without any additives. The result is a beautifully golden drink that gets its color entirely from the tea and citrus — no dye required. It comes together in one pitcher and scales up easily, making it perfect for a backyard gathering or a lazy afternoon on the porch. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint for a little extra flair that looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tea
- 4 cups water, divided
- 4 black tea bags
For the lemonade
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cup water
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–5 lemons)
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, add the 4 tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags without squeezing them, then stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Set aside to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
- 2
While the tea cools, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup water in the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
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